Knock Knock

The room held a warm, orange glow as I finished lighting the last of the candles. I stepped back from the candle I had just set down on the counter, and took a deep breath; releasing it slowly. The stress which was bottled up inside of me began its slow exit through my skin. I gazed around at the spacious bathroom. The white marble sink sat against the wall adjacent from the door and tucked in the corner, beside it, the toilet, and in the center of the room was the large porcelain tub which rested upon golden feet that curved outwards towards the walls. Everything was coated in a warm, relaxing light.

Once everything was set in place, and the wooden stool position beside the tub with the lavender salts, a glass of wine, and the large wine bottle, I removed my robe and slid into the hot tub. My hair pooled around me in flowy segments as it dipped into the water, resting just on the surface. Grasping the bottle of salts, I poured a hefty amount into the water and watched as the tiny crystals dissolved in the clear water. Instantly, the wonderful scent of lavender filled my nose and I sighed in content. I placed the bottle back on the stool, held my breath, and slipped under the water's surface.

Everything was so quiet and peaceful under the water and it felt as if I could melt away just as the salts did. I pulled the rest of my wavy hair into the water and felt it billow out around me. I imagined myself like one of those models on the front of magazines or in armature pictures. I tried opening my eyes, however, the water burned them and I instantly closed them again. I wished I could have stayed under the water longer and revel in its peace, but my lungs needed air. They were screaming and I broke the surface of the water to take in a deep breath. After pushing back my wet hair, I reached for the red wine which sat beside me, careful not to let it slip out of my hand, and brought it to my lips. The taste was exquisite and I could tell it had been sitting for years before I opened it tonight. A tingling sensation buzzed through my body as I took another sip and set it back down on the stool.

I leaned my head back and rested it against the bow of the tub, allowing my eyes to shut and relax. I inhaled deeply and let it escape through my nose. This feels so nice. I thought as the water warmed my previously cold body. I could take a nap. I hadn't had a decent night's sleep in weeks. There have been many meetings and discussions about the war that was happening outside of my kingdom's walls. I was frightened. Not only for myself but for my people. I have sat up many of nights and worried myself to tears. I felt alone here in these walls. There was no one to comfort me or soothe my worries when they arose. I was the only one.

I sank deeper into the water until it reached just below my nose. Tears threatened to spill for under my closed eyes as all of the sudden events came rushing back to me, and I let them. I let the tears cascade down my reddened cheeks and into the water below. I held back the urge to cry out as they fell faster, consuming my heart in a pain that was unbearable. I felt helpless like I was somehow allowing my people to be killed by the tide of war, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. My heart ached for them. I have failed as their ruler. I thought as I dunked my head back into the warm water. The water replaced my tears and engulfed them as I continued to cry.

As I was down there I heard a muffled knocking sound. Surprised by the unexpected noise, I poked my head back above the surface to listen and dried my tears with the palms of my hands once I hit the air. Knock, knock. The sound came forth from the white wooden door which sat at the far end of the room. Who would be knocking at my door at this hour? I pondered. I was hesitant to allow anyone in here and see me like this, so I decided to ignore it in hopes they would go away.

Knock, knock. I lifted my arm out of the bath and grabbed the bottle of epitome salt which caused water to spill onto the floor. I poured more of the lavender-scented salts into my bath and the scent relaxed my muscles and I sunk lower into the tub, allowing the water to rise over my nose again as I held my breath and closed my eyes once more.